If you’re looking for a day out in Hampshire that combines history, nature, and two beautiful countryside walks, a visit to Gilbert White’s House in Selborne is a great choice. The former home of England’s first ecologist is now a museum. It showcases the life and work of the famous 18th century naturalist alongside the adventures of his two explorer cousins and is one of the best things to do in Selborne.
We planned our day around a visit to Gilbert White’s House and Gardens, followed by two circular walks and lunch in the village. Altogether, the walks total around 6 miles, but you could easily do one walk or just visit the museum.
We started our day at Gilbert White’s House, which worked perfectly as a base for exploring Selborne and the surrounding countryside. We timed it so the lunch break fitted between the two walks.
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Where is Gilbert White's House?
Gilbert White’s House is in the picturesque village of Selborne, Hampshire, on the edge of the South Downs National Park. It’s just a short drive from Alton, and within easy reach of Petersfield and Farnham, making it an ideal day trip from Hampshire or neighbouring Surrey.
Selborne is small village, but there are a surprising number of things to do, especially if you enjoy walking, history and pretty villages. There is ample parking at the rear of the house, making it a convenient starting point.
Address: The Wakes, High Street, Selborne, Hampshire, GU34 3JH
Who was Gilbert White?
Reverend Gilbert White (1720–1793) was a pioneering English naturalist and ornithologist, best known for his ground breaking book, The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne (1789). He may not be as famous as David Attenborough is today, but White’s book is the fourth most published book in the English language! It is still internationally recognised today.
His detailed observations of birds, plants, and animals transformed the way people studied and understood the natural world. Today, he is widely regarded one of the founders of modern ecology.
What can you see at Gilbert White’s House?
Gilbert White’s House Museum is set within a beautifully restored Georgian home, known as The Wakes, which was bought by his grandfather. Gilbert moved into the house at the age of eight and later inherited it, living there for the rest of his life.
Although the house was smaller when they first moved in, it gives a good sense of how it would have looked when he was making his famous observations.
You can explore the house on a self-guided tour, which includes:
- Rooms showing where Gilbert White lived and worked for around 60 years
- White’s original manuscripts, personal belongings, and taxidermy exhibits
- Exhibits on Frank Oates, the African explorer, and White’s cousin
- The Captain Oates Gallery, commemorating the Antarctic explorer (Captain Lawrence Oates)
- Access to the 25-acre historic gardens
You don’t need to be familiar with Gilbert White to enjoy the museum. I hadn’t really heard of him before, but the displays are engaging and the information about the explorer cousins is particularly fascinating. There are some hands-on activities for kids, making it one of the most family-friendly things to do in Selborne.
The gardens
After visiting the house, it’s worth exploring the 25-acre gardens, which have been carefully restored to reflect White’s own designs and 18th-century planting methods. There’s a mix of cottage and herb garden, lawns, and a wildflower meadow.
One of the most interesting features is the mound topped with a port barrel, created by White as a hide to sit and observe wildlife.
Two lovely walks in Selborne
Walking is one of the most popular things to do in Selborne and it’s easy to see why. The village is surrounded by beautiful countryside, much of which was documented by Gilbert White himself. We enjoyed two circular walks that together form a figure-of-eight route, returning to the village in the middle. This makes it easy to do one or both walks, depending on how energetic you’re feeling.
We used this map from Visit Hampshire for the exact route.
Walk one - Selborne Village Walk
2.5 Miles (Approx. 1.5 Hours)
We began the first walk in the centre of the village at the Selborne Arms. The route passes St Mary’s Church and goes through the churchyard cemetery where Gilbert White is buried.
From there, the path leads through the wooded valleys of Short Lythe and Long Lythe, on to Priory Farm, before returning down the other side of the stream to Selborne via Dorton Wood. This walk offers a mix of open countryside, farmland, and woodland.
The route is fairly flat but not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs. It finished back in the village, perfect timing for lunch.
Walk two - The Zig Zag Walk
3.5 Miles (Approx. 2.5 Hours)
The second walk starts with the iconic Zig Zag Path, a steep path climbing the hills behind Gilbert White’s House. It is a bit of a workout, but you can stop to catch your breath and admire the views. At the top you’ll be rewarded with stunning views across the South Downs.
The Zig Zag Path was cut into the hillside in 1753 by Gilbert and his brother, to make the journey easier between Selborne and his brother’s village of Newton Valence.
At the top, the route loops around Selborne Common, an area of chalk grassland, ancient woodland, and open glades, before descending back to the village. We may have missed a turning and ended up with a slightly extended version, but it was still worth it.
Places to eat in Selborne
We stopped at La Luna Café, a tiny, independent café in the high street, which serves light lunches and cakes. Other good options include The Selborne Arms, a traditional pub right next to the museum and White’s Café, located within the museum’s grounds.
How to get to Gilbert White's House
By car
You can reach Selborne via the A31 (Alton) or A3 (Petersfield). Use postcode GU34 3JH in your sat nav.
By public transport
Trains run regularly to Alton or Petersfield, where you can catch a local bus or taxi to Selborne.
Parking
There is free visitor parking available at Gilbert White’s House. Additional parking is available in the village, but spaces are limited, especially at weekends and during school holidays.
Admission
Check the Gilbert White’s House & Gardens website for current prices.
English Heritage members receive 2 for 1 entry to the museum. There are also occasional reduced-price days, such as during Snowdrop Weekend and Heritage Open Week.
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